I heard that you accept the thought as a thought and nothing else and you don't have to act on it...are we talking about thoughts or physical withdrawals because that probably would take medication...I think cravings can be really intense if you have used for a long time...they are shorter if you don't use often
3rd step prayer
Call another Alcoholic or Addict.
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I did a lot of hiking in the beginning. Also, did a lot of volunteering at the local food bank. And taking steps 123 removed the urges to drink or use for me. I was able to quit nicotine and caffeine as well.
I did eat more sweets then normal… that’s been cut back as well. Hang in there… it gets better…
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I tell myself to do 30 things. Anything at all.. dust the countertops, start a load of laundry, text a friend, unload the dishwasher.. just keep finding things to do.. I never make it to 30 because my mind gets busy with the things and eventually calms down
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Depending on what you have done your addiction to and yes how long you used I have 10 years clean off alcohol and opiates/heroin but 4 months ago I quit smoking cigarettes after 30 years and the physical withdrawal was a week but I still have a urge when I drink coffee or watch someone smoking cigarettes on a movie for the opiates/heroin addiction I take methadone for the last 9 years but with anything methadone is not for everyone long term or suboxan
With all the open gambling sites on TV and the internet let’s talk about gambling addiction destroying family’s and the % of people committing suiside is huge because a gambling addict finally hits rock bottom usually the are flat broken financially
One check in thing I learned on reframe is HALT. Stands for hungry, angry, lonely, tired. When I can recognize the craving to be rooted in one of those it helps me to redirect my focus. Also the idea of “playing the tape forward”. Like fast forward to after you drank. What typically happens? Then fast forward again but this time you didn’t drink.
I usually workout or go for a walk. At times I compare myself to the old me and it helps me stay motivated. The person I am today is closer to the person I see myself being than there person I used to be.